Town Meetings & News

The City Council will hold its next Regular City Council Meeting on Wednesday, December 17  at 6 PM. The agenda is published and you can view it here.

Atherton Police Athletic League Toy Drive 

Donations can be dropped off at Town Hall until December 17th. If you have any questions contact Management Analyst Alexis Garcia-Dawson at 650.688.6500. 

Atherton Police Department - Shop with a Cop 

The Atherton Police Department proudly participated in their 8th Annual “Holiday Shop With a Cop” event, held at the Redwood City Target store. This year, 12 specially selected grade-school students from Encinal School, Laurel School, and Los Lomitas Elementary Schools were invited to share in the holiday experience.

The students were paired with Atherton police officers and professional support staff for a morning of holiday shopping, conversations, and positive mentorship. Each child was provided with a gift card to select items for themselves and, in most cases, for family members. The program is designed to support local youth, foster trust, and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities we proudly serve.

Chief of Police Steven D McCulley and all of the involved police department staff members expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate again this year. “Shop With a Cop is one of the most meaningful events we take part in each year. It allows our officers to connect with young students in a positive and memorable way, and it reflects our commitment to supporting the families and schools in our community,” said the Chief.

The Atherton Police Department extends heartfelt thanks to the event organizers, Redwood City Target, participating school administrators, and the families who allowed their children to join the experience. We also recognize the many donors and community partners who help make this annual program possible through the very generous donations made to the Atherton Police Department Activities League.

Atherton Prevention Tips 

The Atherton Police Department wants to help reduce your chance of having a burglary at your home or vehicle. The most important thing you can do is call the police to report a crime or any suspicious activity. You are a large part of our community policing efforts. To learn more visit: https://www.athertonca.gov/622/Prevention-Tips

Home Burglaries

• Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.
• Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked.
• Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers, or flyers to build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
• Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.
• Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
• Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.
• Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
• Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.
• Don't share your vacation plans on social media.
• Alert the Atherton Police Department of your plans to arrange for home visits. 

Don't Tempt a Thief

• Lawnmowers, barbecues, and bicycles are best stored out of sight.
• Always lock your garden sheds and garages.
• Use curtains on garage and basement windows.

Targeting the Outside

• Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended for backyards.
• Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.
• Make sure your door hinges are on the inside.

Alarms

• An alarm system is excellent for home security. It provides peace of mind to homeowners, especially while on vacation.
• If you have a home alarm system, use it! Activate your alarm system — alarm systems are only useful when you remember to activate them.
• Many individuals have alarm systems but do not arm them because it is inconvenient. Many burglars know this and will not be deterred by a window sticker or sign indicating that the home has an alarm system.

Atherton Police Department

The Town of Atherton has launched our new domain converting to the www.athertonca.gov.